Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Jerami Grant

Detroit Pistons Receive: G Jalen Brunson

The first question here is simple: would the Detroit Pistons really want Jalen Brunson? After all, their most important player lines up at point guard. Why take the ball out of Cade Cunningham’s hands?

The Mavericks could give them a solid answer to that question. Every playmaker needs a secondary ball-handler: ask Luka Doncic.

As it stands, the only other ball-handler on this Pistons roster is Killian Hayes. At 20, he still has ample room to grow, but as an absolute non-shooter, he doesn’t project as a quality fit alongside Cunningham.

Brunson and the 37.3% he shot from downtown this season complement the jumbo floor general much more cleanly. At 25, he’s also slightly younger than the 28-year-old Grant.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Executive Sees Major Value In Jalen Brunson’s Playoff Performance

While the Pistons make this move for fit, the Mavericks are making a sheer talent upgrade. As a versatile defensive wing with some secondary shot-creating abilities, Grant projects as an ideal fit alongside Doncic. He walks a line between star player and role player that befits an unquestioned alpha such as Doncic.

The Mavericks will have to replace Brunson in making this deal. If the fit between him and Grant is as clean as it should be, that will be a sacrifice worth making.